Giving Thanks, Part 2.

I've been blissfully happy, lately.  I don't know why, and as a pessimist, I have learned to not question the good stuff, because it comes so rarely.  But life has been really good for me.  And not that it isn't most of the time, but personally, I've never felt as self-assured, or as "in control" as I have of late.  I was reminded by my sister-in-law, Kassie, about how miserable we both were last year at this time.  How I was limited to best rest--and though some days it sounds like the best thing ever, after you've slept a couple hours and are bored to death, you immediately know that bed rest is nothing more than boooooriiiiing.  And the pregnancy part was felt every second of every day and night, and I couldn't eat good stuff, and I missed out on the Black Friday sales, and Jeff had to go in my place, and there was family drama...as there always is, but the worse kind that seems to show its ugly face around the holidays.  
This year, none of that is happening. (Or if it is, I'm not taking part). I'm really thankful for it.  I know that those are things everyone usually has to deal with...but I was really worried that when the holidays came around this year, I wouldn't be able to deal.  And I haven't had to.  I truly believe that sometimes you do get the breaks in life that you need.  Even when the chances of them coming along are slim to along the lines of winning the lottery.  To those that may not understand my reasoning behind this refusal to "be involved", I'm sorry.  But I'm taking care of myself right now.  And I've really enjoyed my own attention.  
Anyway, Muff and I are going to what we've lovingly named D.A.T.S.  Day After Thanksgiving Sales.  And I'm so thrilled.  A lot of the time there aren't more than three or four things that I really have my eye on, but being there, feeling all the excitement, and watching the crazies, I soak up all the emotion and almost feel a sort of high during the day.  Maybe I'm part banshee or something.  Sharing this ordeal with my sister(s) and other people that are with me, is one of the highlights of my year.  And then coming home and showing Jeff all my treasures is right up there with the sales themselves.  The going and returning stuff isn't as fun, but I've come to realize that that's a necessary process of the entire ordeal.  It's worth it, having a day I just get caught up and buy whatever I see.   K.  That's all the space I'm going to give to D.A.T.S. on this post.  Although I love it so much, and am so excited to go, I also know that the entire activity isn't exactly noble.  Kind of like gambling, or winning the lottery.  It's selfish and materialistic and totally unrefined.  But my baser instincts love every second.  (Maybe the "sisterly time" redeems me a little?  Not really?)

I'm so thankful that the kids only have school two days this week.  And we are now officially done.  With the weather being cold and the Christmas decorations being up, they're both very ready to just stay in their pajamas all day and drink hot chocolate, and watch movies, and eat popcorn.  And play with toys.  Not that this is completely saved for holidays, as this is the drill most weekends, however, extended weekends are our favorites.  An extended weekend with the previous examples plus excellent food and unrestricted shopping?   Paradise.  This last weekend, both Riley and Cole played  with all their Littlest Pet Shop and Gormitis.  I don't know exactly what the latter are, but they seem to be little monsters that Cole thinks are the greatest toys ever.  And so does Syd, as she can put 3/4 of each toy into her mouth and walk around like that.  Saturday Riley and Cole were playing with their toys on the kitchen table.  (Because their room is too much of a pigsty, and they can't sit in front of the TV, as that's just an invitation for Sydney to come over and "play" with them).  So they sit side by side, playing with different things, and occasionally incorporating the other's toys in their storyline, but not too often.  They saw my phone and each had to show me their set-ups so I could take pictures.  (A very good example of the differences between boys and girls, I thought).  This was Riley's:

Nice and precise.  Just like my little girl. She wore her sweet, serene smile as I noticed the way everything was cutesy and innocent and simply displayed the colors and the smallishness of the fish.  And then, this was what Cole set up for me:

As he was waiting for me to get the picture with my phone, he goes:  "The one on the bottom is like a horse, mom. Get it?"  
I sure do, Cole.  I suuuuure do. :)
So, I hope that all of you enjoy the ones you're with this holiday.  I'm really confused as to where the time has gone, because last year seemed to pass a lot slower, but I'm grateful to be here.  I'm grateful to have heat and food and family and friends.  I'm grateful to have an able body, and mind.  (For the most part).  
Enjoy this Thanksgiving.  Eat a lot, enjoy your company, and take time to remember those that you love and appreciate.  And if you can, do something for someone else.  And do it without any expectations of a "thankyou", or returned favor.  Sometimes this is best way to see the things we are thankful for.  Just a thought. 

 

Weighing In.

Last week was a tough one.  I don't exactly know why, but it just was.  Sometimes I'm just down regardless of what's going on...regardless of how great life is, and regardless how much I SHOULDN'T have to worry or think about stuff that is beyond my control.  This week, is better.  I'm getting myself back on track, if you will.  
I stopped jogging while I was sick.  Now, two miles isn't a lot...but for me, it's more than enough.  I'm not interested in going longer, or being some type of runner...but, I just want to be able to breathe, and jog for longer than two blocks.  My big fear, I think was that everything I'd worked so hard for would be gone.  But luckily, I did it, and it didn't kill me, like I honestly thought it would.  So, I'm trying to get more used to the three mile mark, as I have a 5k on Saturday morning.  This coming Saturday morning.  I really don't know why I'm doing it, but it's a ward sponsored thing, so I'll try it, I guess.  If anything I'll probably walk the entire thing with my friends that I walked with, BEFORE they got lives and left me behind.  We have a lot to catch up on.  Anyway, all that information was a big segway to my saying that I know starting up the jogging thing again has helped my overall mood and such.  It's amazing what having an entire 30 minutes to myself does for me.
Sydney has been sick lately.  I'm thinking she's getting better now, but it was kinda rough for a while.  Unable to breathe, sleep, or eat because of excess boogers, made Sydney more bratty than usual.  And that was less than fun.  It's a good thing that she's so sweet...that simple fact has saved her so many times.  :)

(That's me surprised by my discovery.  An actual un-posed for pic that Cole took of me.  I thought I it was funny).  K.  Enough of all that.  I'm sounding like that person that I blogstalk that makes me mad EVERY time I read her posts.  Because she's overly self-absorbed and self-congratulatory.   
Muff and I are doing the  For Every Body rush this Friday.  I'm quite stoked.  Tons of delicious smelling candles, and cutesy decorations for way cheap.  And then she's taking me out for my birthday dinner...because we're doing it early instead of late this year.   And because she's freaking awesome.  (Thanks Muff!) 
Today Cole told me that his substitute teacher said she was going to call me.  Because he doesn't have enough food in his lunch at school.  This really bummed me out, because this is something I fight with Cole about, every day.  He's like Jeff, in that he doesn't  like to eat outside of the house.  In fact, he always threw stuff away or would bring 90% of his lunch home, telling me that he wanted to "throw up" as he was eating something.  So I started telling him to pack stuff that sounds good to him, and I still have to make him take something other than a sucker and a cupcake.  And I worry about Cole.  He's skin and bones.  I try not to bring that fact to his attention, but I don't know what to do.  I NEVER had a problem with eating too little, or not wanting to eat.  So I really don't know how to approach this.  Jeff says there's really nothing I can do, that he is the same way.  But I don't like that teachers are thinking I'm trying to starve my son.  Because I buy stuff all the time that both Riley and Cole SWEAR they'll eat in their lunches (and they take 'home lunch' because both of them say the smell of school lunch makes them want to barf), and then they "don't have time" to finish their lunch, or they don't want to take a lot of lunch, because they don't want to miss their recess. And both Riley and Cole eat breakfast, and they eat snacks when they get home, and then dinner.  But the substitute teachers don't see that.   Anyone have any suggestions?  I really don't want my children taken away from me.  

Anyway, life is still life.  It keeps going.  I've got a lot to be thankful for, and this month has been showing me so many examples.  Hope all of you are having similar experiences...in the Thankful department, I mean. :)

I'm a Winner. And you're jealous.

So, a few months ago I invited all my Facebook buddies to join the group, Gleegarden.com.  And if I didn't invite you by some huge mistake, I'm appalled and I apologize.  Because you are missing out.  And I allowed it.  My fantabulous friend Moriah is the creator/editor of Gleegarden.  And if you haven't checked it out, you need to.  Big time.  Because she's one of those people that just know about stuff.  Cool stuff.  Stuff that you'll try once and love and never go back to what you were using before.  It's a gift she's always had...and I was recently the recipient of the best gift ever.  A giveaway bag!  Filled with tons of stuff that I'm seriously loving right now.  

Well, I want you all to know that not only is this site fantastic, but you find out about new products that we just don't have access to.  Like, Benefit cosmetics.  Anyone ever use this stuff?  I love it, SO much...and I'm totally serious.  Pictured is an eye pencil that makes my eyes go from "staying-up-with-Jeff-till-the-wee-hours-of-the-morning" to "wide-open-and-my-staring-problem-is-now-even-more-obvious".  Which, despite the way it sounds, is a much better look for me.  Benefit also tells you how to wear it, gives tips on how to apply it, and all that important stuff.  Some people think that those kind of instructions are self-explanatory, but I'm one of those anal people that need to know I'm applying it correctly.  (Just in case I run into someone that really knows, and can tell that mine's wrong). I also got some samples of other things that I've been enjoying...and I've looked online to order more...for my birthday, from Jeff.  Cause he likes it when I look great.  And this stuff really helps.  ;)

This next stuff is soap that I'm loving.  It's all organic, and eco-friendly...and if that what was I was REALLY concerned with, I'd be a better person than I actually am.  However, my biggest love comes from the fact that it smells FANTASTIC.  Kind of light and sweet and it's not overpowering, but when occasionally I catch little whiffs of it throughout the day...it makes me happy.  And ALMOST makes me lift my arm and take a deep smell.  But I don't.  Because knowing my luck someone would see me do it. 

And, because she knows me so well, Moriah also added a couple of Preserve toothbrushes.  These are made out of recycled plastics--NOT toothbrushes, but things like yogurt cups and such.  And they're excellent. I like to think of myself as a bit of a toothbrush connoisseur, so take my word for it.   Anyway, these are something that aren't overly expensive, help save the earth, and (one of them) smells fantastic.  There are no downsides here.  

Everything was packaged lovingly in this tote.  Because Moriah's eye for detail never ceases to amaze and I love it.  For some reason this picture won't get bigger, even though it gives me the option.  Does anyone else have problems with the new blogger?  Anyway, I wanted to take pictures myself, and make them look nice, but my camera was being overly funky, and the lighting was all wrong.  I couldn't show how wonderfully pretty everything is--so you're getting the advertiser's hard work, instead of mine.    I just had to tell Moriah a big heartfelt, THANK YOU!!  Because I love presents, and I love having wonderful friends that think about me.  


Anyway, if you haven't checked her sight out?  Do it.  Some of the stuff may be more to your liking than others, but there is totally something for everyone.  Even guys.  


So, has anyone else used any of these products?  If so, let me know, and let me know your favorites...because I'm addicted.  And my birthday is just around the corner.  And you read what I said about presents, right?  ;)


Happy Tuesday!

Holy Crap

I just realized that the post I had been working on....had been trying to perfect, had been posted without my knowledge.  WITH 7 COMMENTS, NO LESS!!!!  Sheesh.  So you'll have to excuse all the random numbers, and the fact that my Thankful list wasn't even completed....I'm slightly less shallow than you all are thinking, I'm sure of it.  I totally would have redeemed myself, somehow.

Anyhoo, I think my being sick has seriously crept along my nasal passages, and into my brain.  Because I have been doing things lately that I can't remember I've done two seconds later.  Thus, my last blog post.  

But, for the record, I had seven comments, yo.  SEVEN!!!  About something that wasn't even fully finished!  This must be how Stephenie Meyer feels.  ;)

Time to be Thankful.

It's November. Not that this is big news to you, I'm sure...but I've been contemplating what this means to me for a while now.  Like, five whole days.  Anyway, November has turned into a bit of a tricky month.  September is when we are getting ready for the holidays to come up...and October is all about Halloween.  Nowadays November is kind of shoved under the blanket of after-Halloween sales, and Christmas stuff.  Which is kind of sad.  Don't get me wrong, I love Halloween.  And I love Christmas.  Both Holidays make me happy and are big fun.  However, November is about Thanksgiving...and just because it isn't as visually stimulating as either of the other holidays, (turkeys?  Pilgrims?  Booooorrrrriiing), it's still a time that I feel is grossly overlooked.  It's about being Thankful.  Gluttony, Thankfulness, and Greed.  That's how it's supposed to go.  And it makes me mad when some people try to switch that up.
So I'm putting my foot down.  Or more realistically, putting words to the page, or even more realistically, being self-righteous and smug.


  *all that being said, I'm still the person that decorates for   Christmas no later than November 11th...and I make no apologies.  I'm writing my list of "Thankfuls", so don't judge me.
I made a small list of things I was thankful for on Thanksgiving Day, last year.  But I've been thinking lately that I wanted to start earlier with the things that I'm thankful for.  Just because.


This year has been a hard one.  Not just for me, but for a lot of people I know.  It seems like 2009 has brought a lot of hardships. But then, sometimes it's the difficult things that make us stronger, and more appreciative of the things that we'd normally take for granted.  Anyway, you all know this.  I'm just trying to further explain my post.  But I'm going to go ahead and give you the benefit of the doubt...and assume that you get it, already.


Here goes.


1.  I'm thankful to be in the "enjoyment phase" of having a family.  Right now, I know that my most important goal, calling, whatever, is to be a mother to my three babies.  And a wife/best friend to Jeff.  Now, I realize this isn't a very modern woman attitude, but if I break down what I'm supposed to be doing and my personal desires into their most basic form, this is where I end up.  Sometimes I get overly paranoid about whether or not I'm taking full advantage of my capabilities, or my talents or whether or not I have any of those things.  But when I make myself put everything on the simplest level, I find that I'm right where I need to be.  I'm really thankful for this.




2.  I'm thankful for my siblings and friends and family.  I say this a lot.  But I have been the recipient of tons of good vibes, and warm and fuzzy thoughts, and laughs, and tears, and hugs.  And I've been really grateful for each one.  I'm a lot like my dad was...in that I'm easily overcome with emotion, but I'm not overly excited to share that part of myself.  Just knowing that I have people that care about me, that try to understand I'm doing my own thing right now, is appreciated.  I'm in a soul-searching phase.  I'm trying to find what makes ME happy. And when I know, I'll let you know.


 *Now, please notice that those things were, respectively, number one and number two of my "Thankful" list.  Simply put, they're the most important things to me of all. So...that being said, I'm now going to get to the other stuff.


3.  I'm thankful for this weather.  I mean, has this been the best Fall season, ever?  Uh, yes.  It has.  It's nice and cool, and the sun still shines, and the wind doesn't blow, and we are still supplied with fresh, crisp air.  If there could be one continuous season, this would be the one I'd vote for. It makes me happy and content.


4.  I'm thankful for my health.  I could elaborate, but I won't.  Any of you that have been sick, or seen loved ones go through sickness...know that having health is a huge blessing. Enjoy it.


5. This is a mean one, but I'm thankful for it just the same. And who says mean people shouldn't be thankful for stuff?  I'm thankful for people that have really stupid blogs.  And not only that, but they post really often, and the reason they do it, is because they are "helping YOU be a better person".  I want to point out that these blogs are so dumb, you actually get angry as you read it, because the people writing are so lame.  Yet, like obscene accidents....you just keep looking for more. And that's where I'm at.  I have one blog in particular that I have to check often...because the author's choice of subject matter never ceases to amaze me by its lameness.  I find myself reading the comments after each of this person's posts...wondering if anyone will say what I'm thinking.  Something along the lines of:  "You suck, and so do your opinions.  But you keep me coming back...I'm sickly addicted".  Yet, no one does.  And, because I'm technically blog-stocking this person, I don't feel like I have that right.  I'm thankful for this.  It assures me that I'm not as lame as I COULD be.


6. Bookclub.  I'm missing it today.  Which sucks, because I've been sick, and I've got sick kids...(you know, #4), but when I'm at bookclub I'm around people that bring new stories my way.  And we eat great food.  And we also read stuff.  But it's just a night out with girls each month that I can look forward to.


7.  Sons of Anarchy.  Oh.  My.  Goodness.  It's so wonderful.  Each week I wait FOREVER until Wednesday night, for Jeff to download Tuesday's episode off of whatever site he downloads it from.  And then He and I watch it.  And when it ends we look at each other go:  "WHAT?!" Because it's really that good.  And then the wait starts all over again.


8.  Dark nail polish.  Does anyone remember when you couldn't find anything outside of pink and mauve?  Well I do.  It wasn't until I was in high school that the colors began to get cool...and it was Wyoming, so after months of searching I only came up with a glittery navy blue, and a gold-like yellow. You see how difficult it was?  Now I have all my red-blacks, blue-blacks, purple-blacks, green-blacks...you see where I'm going with this. It's not a problem anymore.


9.




8. 

My costume: Mercy Thompson from the book, Bones Crossed, by Patricia Briggs

I did it, ya'll.  I wore my trampy costume to the Anderson Halloween party.  I had to tell everyone who I was, and explain my choice, and feel quite awkward a few times, but I did it. In preparation, I actually googled "how to create cleavage", and was enlightened...and overwhelmed.  I now know why people just pay the eight grand here (or more), and get a fake pair.  Because after the shaving, and taping, and make-up, it's just not worth it.  Anyway, because my husband loves me, he made the picture that he took of me look like the cover of the book I was trying to copy.  I think he did an excellent job, if I do say so, myself. (And if I may say...despite having a plethora of boyfriends, I don't think I could have scored better than my Jeffrey.  It's not often that the man you love will spend a couple hours making you look super good just for funsies, and the fact that it will make me feel like I have so much in common with a personal hero).  True, the "real" Mercy's tummy is way more svelte, and she has magnificent arms...but, I comfort myself by remembering that she's a shapeshifter/mechanic that has never given birth.  Not that I ever looked like that, but if she were to have a litter or something?  Her arms and stomach wouldn't be nearly as fabulous. 


In addition to Jeff and the kids and I being way late, the Halloween party got rained out, and had to be continued inside my In-law's home.  So I didn't have enough time or room to take pictures of all the family members and their clever costumes. But, to see extra pictures of our family and many of the Anderson clan, you can all go here.    Kelli is always the organizer/thrower of our Halloween extravaganzas, and she did such an excellent job of posting everyones' costumes and families and stuff, that I thought instead of stealing all her pictures and such, I'd just direct you all to sneak a peak at her work. 

I bought Sydney's costume last year at the after-Halloween sales.  I will kindly remind you that I was massively pregnant at the time.  I remember thinking back then that even though I was buying a costume  for an 18 month old, if the kid proved to be status-quo, she'd fit into it quite well at 10 months.  I was right.  As usual.

Jeff was Dexter.  When Dexter is re-creating a crime scene and the blood splatters.  He did really well with his costume, I thought.  I'd bought something not as cool for Jeff to wear, but he took the initiative himself and went to actually look for something better.  He also found it. 
Jeff and I made Riley and Cole's costumes.  Riley wanted to be a pirate and Cole wanted to be a devil.  It was mainly because Riley found a cool sword and Cole found a pitchfork he really liked.  No one can say my kids don't know how to accessorize.  Anyway, we have a busy weekend ahead of us.  On Thursday we have the kids' school Halloween parade and Carnival, and then Friday we have Jeff's work Halloween party and then Saturday we do the actual trick-o-treating and visiting of friends and family.  I'm already tired thinking about it, but I'm taking one for the team.  So, it's late, and I gotta sleep.  Toodles.   

Notes to self.

Sheesh, Amy. A little patience for those of us blogging from our phones that have butter-fingers and post unintentionally. Hopefully this clears it up:

At Walmart. In the ONLY isle that doesn't have people in it--this is relevant because A) it's my favorite isle, (Dt. Mt. Dew is behind my butt), and B) it's kinda covert for me to take a picture of myself and not get mocked by people perusing the shelves. Because, that's totally what I'd do if I saw someone doing this. I'm waiting on the fine Walmart employees to change the oil in my car that seems to be gradually falling apart. Sad.
Anyway, I have time to think cause Syd's with Jeff, and the kids are at school, and I've already got the necessary groceries for the weekend. I've compiled a list of notes that I need to remember:

1. Don't wear my hair like this. I have a fivehead and it took me to now to figure it out.

2. When going to an auto place, like Checkers or Autozone, wear makeup, and leave kids at home. Smile, and be chatty. Customer service is better by like, 90%. (Even with said fivehead).

3. I'm a hypocrite. Especially when it comes to technology. If I can't afford something right away, it's certainly not a good or useful product. I.e. : Laptops--I scoffed about laptops until Jeff got one. Who needs one of those? Especially if they stay at home with the kids? And then I quickly found out that being jobless and addicted to facebook, email, blogging, and occasionally paying bills requires a laptop. Because, it's for sure I don't want to have to go all the way to the office to do these things. Also, I was anti-cell phone. True, this was like, six years ago, but still. I promised/swore that I wouldn't give in. Now, when I'm without my beloved Blackberry, I will stop what I'm doing, and even drive the necessary mileage it takes to retrieve it from my home. I'm that dependent and pathetic. However, I say this now, and I give full future permission as well....Anyone that sees me in Walmart, sporting a bluetooth headset and chatting away because I can't hold the phone to my ear while I'm in the cheese section, I will give 50 bucks. Because that is the day I am a true loser. And as a loser, I may as well give you my life savings, cause, what the Hell am I gonna do with it?

4. Don't ever run to the restroom leaving my 10 month old and previously mentioned laptop in the room together. Regardless of how many toys she's been supplied with, the movie she's watching, and the snacks she's eating, nothing good comes out of it. I lose all previously recorded information and gain a lot of different settings that I can't figure out.

5. When I help with Cole's class, be sure to wear perfume, deodorant, and chew gum. He informed me that the kids don't like it when helpers are "stinky". I passed the test today. Phew.

6. Lastly, remember to give Cole a kiss and a hug goodbye each time I help in his class. But not a kiss on the cheek...it needs to be on the head. He kinda walked me through it, but there was some awkwardness involved. He has people to impress, apparently. But not overly so.

K. I just had to type that stuff out...otherwise, I'd forget. And I'm thinking of you all, knowing you're at work and just needing something to make your Friday go by faster. You're welcome. Have a good weekend! (Oh, and fyi, my car's oil is changed, but now I gotta have it checked for emission problems....any reccommendations on a mechanic? I'm clueless).